At UniSA you will undertake a research degree at a university where 100% of our research is rated at or above world-class*, with expert supervisors and state-of-the-art facilities.
Our research degree students partner with industry and end-users of research, developing skills for research excellence with career relevance.
Apply for one of our many research degree projects or develop your own project, and you will create new knowledge, become an expert in your field, and make a tangible difference.
Full fee-waivers available – find out more^.
If you’re interested in studying a research degree at UniSA, browse some of our currently available research projects. If you don’t see a project that interests you, please fill in our Expression of Interest form and you will be notified when new projects become available or reach out to us to discuss how to develop your own project.
Browse our available projects below, if you don't see the project you're looking, you can fill out our expression of interest form to be notified of new projects or contact us to develop your own project.
About this project
Applications will only be considered from Australian Aboriginal and South Sea Islander Peoples for this position, under special measures pursuant to Section 56 of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act 1984 (SA). You will be required to provide evidence of your Aboriginal and/or South Sea Islander heritage in your application.
Project Description
This research-based, creative writing project will focus on ‘Blackbirding’, the indentured labour system in place in Australia briefly in 1847, and more extensively between 1863 and 1904. This was a time when 62,000 people mainly from Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands (then known as Kanakas) were taken to Queensland. While extensive research has been undertaken on the practice itself, little is known about the relationships and connections forged between South Sea Islanders and Australian First Nations Peoples. Specifically, some Vanuatu people are descended from Australian First Nations women, or children who accompanied South Sea Islander labourers at the conclusion of their contracts.
This project seeks to illuminate the history of blackbirding and the connections it created between Australian First Nations Peoples and the Pacific Islands, and to raise public awareness in Australia and neighbouring Pacific Islands of the historical and contemporary impact of blackbirding.
What you’ll do
The successful applicant will focus on First Nations’ storytelling, particularly the relationships between Australian First Nations Peoples and South Sea Islanders. It is anticipated that the successful candidate will collaborate with First Nations communities through their research. While the project will largely take place on an individual level, community engagement will be critical to its formation, production and dissemination. The successful applicant will generate new research and a creative artefact relating to the cross-cultural connections between First Nations Peoples and South Sea Islanders in the context of blackbirding.
Upon completion of the project, the successful applicant will have created a work of publishable standard. They will have the capacity to undertake independent research, to engage with creative writing methodologies, and to create (if not already present) a track record of creative and critical publications. They will also have an understanding of the Australian literary industry and how to position themselves and their work within it.
The successful candidate will be supported by a supervisory team that has expertise in creative writing and First Nations research and storytelling. The principal supervisor is a leading practitioner of fiction and creative non-fiction, while the associate supervisors have extensive knowledge of First Nations storytelling and creative writing methodologies. Each of the supervisors have connections to industry.
Where you’ll be based
You will be based at UniSA Creative, a research environment that includes researchers across the spectrum of creative arts, from visual arts to architecture. The rich and diverse approaches to understanding and exploring the role of creative practice in contemporary experience is shared across the graduate research cohort.
The candidate will have the opportunity to travel and to engage with communities relevant to their research. They will be part of a cohort of researchers in a field of practice-based research, and will have the opportunity to collaborate with their peers via workshops and co-authorship of papers.
Some travel may be required to the Pacific Islands and Queensland, restrictions permitting.
Supervisory Team
There are currently no projects available in this topic of research.
Do you have an idea for a project that you would like to explore through a research degree? Discover how to develop your own project at UniSA.
Didn’t see the project you were looking for? Fill out our expression of interest form to be notified when new projects become available.
Browse our available projects below, if you don't see the project you're looking, you can fill out our expression of interest form to be notified of new projects or contact us to develop your own project.
Do you have an idea for a project that you would like to explore through a research degree? Discover how to develop your own project at UniSA.
Didn’t see the project you were looking for? Fill out our expression of interest form to be notified when new projects become available.
Browse our available projects below, if you don't see the project you're looking, you can fill out our expression of interest form to be notified of new projects or contact us to develop your own project.
There are currently no projects available in this topic of research.
There are currently no projects available in this topic of research.
Do you have an idea for a project that you would like to explore through a research degree? Discover how to develop your own project at UniSA.
Didn’t see the project you were looking for? Fill out our expression of interest form to be notified when new projects become available.
Browse our available projects below, if you don't see the project you're looking, you can fill out our expression of interest form to be notified of new projects or contact us to develop your own project.
There are currently no projects available in this topic of research.
There are currently no projects available in this topic of research.
Do you have an idea for a project that you would like to explore through a research degree? Discover how to develop your own project at UniSA.
Didn’t see the project you were looking for? Fill out our expression of interest form to be notified when new projects become available.
Browse our available projects below, if you don't see the project you're looking, you can fill out our expression of interest form to be notified of new projects or contact us to develop your own project.
Do you have an idea for a project that you would like to explore through a research degree? Discover how to develop your own project at UniSA.
Didn’t see the project you were looking for? Fill out our expression of interest form to be notified when new projects become available.
Browse our available projects below, if you don't see the project you're looking, you can fill out our expression of interest form to be notified of new projects or contact us to develop your own project.
This project is funded for reasonable research expenses. Additionally, a living allowance scholarship of $28,854 per annum is available to eligible applicants. A fee-offset or waiver for the standard term of the program is also included. For full terms and benefits of the scholarship please refer to our scholarship information for domestic students or international students.
Do you have an idea for a project that you would like to explore through a research degree? Discover how to develop your own project at UniSA.
Didn’t see the project you were looking for? Fill out our expression of interest form to be notified when new projects become available.
Browse our available projects below, if you don't see the project you're looking, you can fill out our expression of interest form to be notified of new projects or contact us to develop your own project.
Do you have an idea for a project that you would like to explore through a research degree? Discover how to develop your own project at UniSA.
Didn’t see the project you were looking for? Fill out our expression of interest form to be notified when new projects become available.
Browse our available projects below, if you don't see the project you're looking, you can fill out our expression of interest form to be notified of new projects or contact us to develop your own project.
About this project
Applications will only be considered from Australian Aboriginal and South Sea Islander Peoples for this position, under special measures pursuant to Section 56 of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act 1984 (SA). You will be required to provide evidence of your Aboriginal and/or South Sea Islander heritage in your application.
Project Description
This research-based, creative writing project will focus on ‘Blackbirding’, the indentured labour system in place in Australia briefly in 1847, and more extensively between 1863 and 1904. This was a time when 62,000 people mainly from Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands (then known as Kanakas) were taken to Queensland. While extensive research has been undertaken on the practice itself, little is known about the relationships and connections forged between South Sea Islanders and Australian First Nations Peoples. Specifically, some Vanuatu people are descended from Australian First Nations women, or children who accompanied South Sea Islander labourers at the conclusion of their contracts.
This project seeks to illuminate the history of blackbirding and the connections it created between Australian First Nations Peoples and the Pacific Islands, and to raise public awareness in Australia and neighbouring Pacific Islands of the historical and contemporary impact of blackbirding.
What you’ll do
The successful applicant will focus on First Nations’ storytelling, particularly the relationships between Australian First Nations Peoples and South Sea Islanders. It is anticipated that the successful candidate will collaborate with First Nations communities through their research. While the project will largely take place on an individual level, community engagement will be critical to its formation, production and dissemination. The successful applicant will generate new research and a creative artefact relating to the cross-cultural connections between First Nations Peoples and South Sea Islanders in the context of blackbirding.
Upon completion of the project, the successful applicant will have created a work of publishable standard. They will have the capacity to undertake independent research, to engage with creative writing methodologies, and to create (if not already present) a track record of creative and critical publications. They will also have an understanding of the Australian literary industry and how to position themselves and their work within it.
The successful candidate will be supported by a supervisory team that has expertise in creative writing and First Nations research and storytelling. The principal supervisor is a leading practitioner of fiction and creative non-fiction, while the associate supervisors have extensive knowledge of First Nations storytelling and creative writing methodologies. Each of the supervisors have connections to industry.
Where you’ll be based
You will be based at UniSA Creative, a research environment that includes researchers across the spectrum of creative arts, from visual arts to architecture. The rich and diverse approaches to understanding and exploring the role of creative practice in contemporary experience is shared across the graduate research cohort.
The candidate will have the opportunity to travel and to engage with communities relevant to their research. They will be part of a cohort of researchers in a field of practice-based research, and will have the opportunity to collaborate with their peers via workshops and co-authorship of papers.
Some travel may be required to the Pacific Islands and Queensland, restrictions permitting.
Supervisory Team
Do you have an idea for a project that you would like to explore through a research degree? Discover how to develop your own project at UniSA.
Didn’t see the project you were looking for? Fill out our expression of interest form to be notified when new projects become available.
Browse our available projects below, if you don't see the project you're looking, you can fill out our expression of interest form to be notified of new projects or contact us to develop your own project.
There are currently no projects available in this topic of research.
Do you have an idea for a project that you would like to explore through a research degree? Discover how to develop your own project at UniSA.
Didn’t see the project you were looking for? Fill out our expression of interest form to be notified when new projects become available.
Browse our available projects below, if you don't see the project you're looking, you can fill out our expression of interest form to be notified of new projects or contact us to develop your own project.
Do you have an idea for a project that you would like to explore through a research degree? Discover how to develop your own project at UniSA.
Didn’t see the project you were looking for? Fill out our expression of interest form to be notified when new projects become available.
Browse our available projects below, if you don't see the project you're looking, you can fill out our expression of interest form to be notified of new projects or contact us to develop your own project.
Do you have an idea for a project that you would like to explore through a research degree? Discover how to develop your own project at UniSA.
Didn’t see the project you were looking for? Fill out our expression of interest form to be notified when new projects become available.
Browse our available projects below, if you don't see the project you're looking, you can fill out our expression of interest form to be notified of new projects or contact us to develop your own project.
There are currently no projects available in this topic of research.
There are currently no projects available in this topic of research.
Do you have an idea for a project that you would like to explore through a research degree? Discover how to develop your own project at UniSA.
Didn’t see the project you were looking for? Fill out our expression of interest form to be notified when new projects become available.
Browse our available projects below, if you don't see the project you're looking, you can fill out our expression of interest form to be notified of new projects or contact us to develop your own project.
There are currently no projects available in this topic of research.
Do you have an idea for a project that you would like to explore through a research degree? Discover how to develop your own project at UniSA.
Didn’t see the project you were looking for? Fill out our expression of interest form to be notified when new projects become available.
Browse our available projects below, if you don't see the project you're looking, you can fill out our expression of interest form to be notified of new projects or contact us to develop your own project.
Do you have an idea for a project that you would like to explore through a research degree? Discover how to develop your own project at UniSA.
Didn’t see the project you were looking for? Fill out our expression of interest form to be notified when new projects become available.
Browse our available projects below, if you don't see the project you're looking, you can fill out our expression of interest form to be notified of new projects or contact us to develop your own project.
Do you have an idea for a project that you would like to explore through a research degree? Discover how to develop your own project at UniSA.
Didn’t see the project you were looking for? Fill out our expression of interest form to be notified when new projects become available.
Browse our available projects below, if you don't see the project you're looking, you can fill out our expression of interest form to be notified of new projects or contact us to develop your own project.
Do you have an idea for a project that you would like to explore through a research degree? Discover how to develop your own project at UniSA.
Didn’t see the project you were looking for? Fill out our expression of interest form to be notified when new projects become available.
Browse our available projects below, if you don't see the project you're looking, you can fill out our expression of interest form to be notified of new projects or contact us to develop your own project.
Do you have an idea for a project that you would like to explore through a research degree? Discover how to develop your own project at UniSA.
Didn’t see the project you were looking for? Fill out our expression of interest form to be notified when new projects become available.
Browse our available projects below, if you don't see the project you're looking, you can fill out our expression of interest form to be notified of new projects or contact us to develop your own project.
Do you have an idea for a project that you would like to explore through a research degree? Discover how to develop your own project at UniSA.
Didn’t see the project you were looking for? Fill out our expression of interest form to be notified when new projects become available.
Browse our available projects below, if you don't see the project you're looking, you can fill out our expression of interest form to be notified of new projects or contact us to develop your own project.
There are currently no projects available in this topic of research.
Do you have an idea for a project that you would like to explore through a research degree? Discover how to develop your own project at UniSA.
Didn’t see the project you were looking for? Fill out our expression of interest form to be notified when new projects become available.
Browse our available projects below, if you don't see the project you're looking, you can fill out our expression of interest form to be notified of new projects or contact us to develop your own project.
Do you have an idea for a project that you would like to explore through a research degree? Discover how to develop your own project at UniSA.
Didn’t see the project you were looking for? Fill out our expression of interest form to be notified when new projects become available.
Browse our available projects below, if you don't see the project you're looking, you can fill out our expression of interest form to be notified of new projects or contact us to develop your own project.
Do you have an idea for a project that you would like to explore through a research degree? Discover how to develop your own project at UniSA.
Didn’t see the project you were looking for? Fill out our expression of interest form to be notified when new projects become available.
Some of our unstoppable researchers and PhD candidates talk about undertaking a research degree at UniSA.
Professor Siobhan Banks from the Behaviour-Brain-Body Research Centre shares why UniSA is the perfect place to study a research degree in social sciences.
Professor Simon Biggs from the Australian Research Centre for Interactive and Virtual Environments – IVE – shares why you should study a research degree in arts, architecture or design at UniSA.
Associate Professor Michael Samuel from the Centre for Cancer Biology talks about where a research degree in health at UniSA can take you.
Professor Rachel Kennedy from the Ehrenberg-Bass Institute for Marketing Science, talks about the benefits of studying a business or marketing research degree at UniSA.
Former health PhD students share why you should study a research degree at UniSA.
Dr Joe O'Leary discusses his PhD experience at UniSA.
Follow our step-by-step guide through the process of preparing your application to maximise your chances of success.
Research Degree Admissions
p: +61 8 8302 5880
e: research.degrees@unisa.edu.au
Location
Level 2, 101 Currie Street
Adelaide SA 5000
Australia
Postal address
GPO Box 2471
Adelaide SA 5001
Australia
^UNSTOPPABLE is a Kellogg Company Trademark used under licence